Japan signs contract with Ukrainian company SkyFall to procure interceptor drones

Japan’s Ministry of Defence has signed a contract to buy interceptor drones from Ukrainian company SkyFall. Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi announced the deal at a press conference on 9 October.

The minister did not disclose the contract value or the number of interceptors ordered. However, he said the government was working to “ensure delivery of the drones as quickly as possible”.

SkyFall confirmed it had signed a contract with the Japanese government but declined to disclose further details.

SkyFall manufactures P1-SUN interceptors in several versions, including one equipped with an AI module and a faster version designed to intercept jet-powered drones. The company recently released footage showing its P1-SUN JetKiller interceptors destroying Russian high-speed Geran-5 drones.

During the press conference, the Japanese minister also highlighted Ukraine’s experience in developing and rapidly improving defence technologies. According to Koizumi, Japan has much to learn from Ukraine in both developing its defence industry and strengthening its industrial base.